Teen Fiction: A Chance to Dance

Rikki Ellinson

“That wasn’t my fault,” Leah explained. “That was just because of that annoying piece of wood!” Truth be told, her dance tryout wouldn’t be much better

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

The strains of “Hamalach Hagoel” seemed to be climbing through the walls of the bunkhouse. Adina laughed as she put her ear to the closed door. The tune echoed through the room; someone’s soprano was peaking with no effort.

“I so do not want to join some dumb choir.” Adina turned to Leah. “I’m so not in the mood of strict practices and hoarse voices.”

“Me, neither.” Leah frowned. “But I wonder if I’ll get into dance. I’m so not a dancer.”

“Oh, don’t worry. Chaya’s sister is heading the dance. We’ll definitely get in.” Adina slurped her blue slush, painting her lips in the same color. “Next room,” she said, taking Leah’s hand in her own. “Let’s check out dance tryouts. I have to make sure no one beat my performance.”

Leah giggled. “Not too hard to do that, my dear.” They turned to leave the CIT bunkhouse, heading to the building where dance tryouts were being held. As they entered, Leah tripped over a piece of wood, a future prop.

“And you still think you’re graceful?” Adina asked. “Hmm.”

“That wasn’t my fault,” Leah explained. “That was just because of that annoying piece of wood!” Truth be told, her dance tryout wouldn’t be much better.

“Seriously, Adina. I hope we get into dance.” Adina smiled to herself. It was cute to see how fast it had become “we.” She and Leah knew each other for all of three weeks. It was a new, still slightly awkward, friendship.

They headed toward Chaya and Avigail, the other two members of their group of friends, who were watching the tryouts with interest. Dance tryouts were way more rowdy than the choir practice. The demand was higher, the steps more complicated, the spectators louder.

Chaya stood next to the dance head, her sister Dassy, who looked important with the clipboard in her hand.

“Looking good, Chaya,” Adina laughed. She reached over to the pen in Chaya’s hand and placed it behind her ear. “Even better now!” They giggled. She felt a certain connection to Chaya, her friend since first grade.

Dassy turned to Chaya. “Please mark that as an A. She’s good.”

Chaya dutifully followed instructions, “Goodness, I thought I’d have more of a say ’cuz my sister’s the head. But she’s really not so interested in my opinion.” She frowned. “I hope you guys get into dance.” She peered at her list.

“Adina, I know you’re not so into dancing, but didn’t you say you’d do your best?” She pointed to the list. “You got a C!”

Adina pouted. “Check it out!” She spun and waved her hands. “Don’t I get an A+ for that?” She twirled some more, tangling her slinky skirt, and plopped down.

“Hey,” she called from her perch on the floor. “What did Leah get?”

Chaya glanced at the list, knowing the answer before she saw it. “Also C. What’s up with you guys? I thought we’d all be in the dance together!” She turned the pages, looking at the rows of names marked A or A+. “I hope you both get in with me and Avigail.”

“Heh. So not worried. You’re sister’s the head, Chaya.” She messed her messy bun. “We have pull. It’s so not about the marks…” (Excerpted from Teen Pages, Issue 702)